| This study applied habitat templates to two restoration sites in central New York to promote vegetation development without extensive pre-planting site modifications. Marl fen and alvar plant species were introduced as seeds and plugs to plots with and without pH and nitrogen amendments. Study species were monitored over two growing seasons. Germination, establishment, survivorship, and growth were analyzed to determine whether alkalinity and infertility limited study species. Functional traits associated with persistence and abundance were also identified. To determine the role of plant-plant interactions under alkaline, infertile conditions, two rare Oligoneuron species were paired together and with marl fen and alvar associates. The results of this study suggest that alkaline, infertile conditions do not limit the study species. Furthermore, one Oligoneuron species was facilitated by some associates, suggesting that, during the early stages of growth, rare plant species can persist under stressful conditions where competition may be suppressed. |
